THE British actor is reportedly in talks to star in the biopic of the Queen frontman, according to Latino Review.

Following Sacha Baron Cohen's departure from the project last summer, producers on the Freddie Mercury biopic continue their search for a new leading man. A rumour last month suggested that Daniel Radcliffe would portray the rock star, who died in 1991, but speculation was quickly cut short by Radcliffe himself.

Dominic Cooper is the latest name to enter the rumour mill. Propelled to fame by Mamma Mia!, the actor is better known today for his portrayal of Iron Man's father in Captain America.

No official reports have confirmed his involvement in the Freddie Mercury project for the time being, but rumours continue to swirl. If he is tapped for the role, producers will need approval of this casting choice from the surviving members of Queen. – AFP Relaxnews

Law & Order star to be part of international cast for film on the Brazilian football legend.

THE American actor who portrayed Detective Robert Goren for a decade on Law & Order: Criminal Intent has landed a role in the forthcoming film on the famous Brazilian soccer player.

The biopic will focus on the legendary footballer's formative years, leading up to his first World Cup in Sweden in 1958, when the athlete was just 17.

Vincent D'Onofrio will portray Vincente Feola, the coach who led the Brazilian team to its first World Cup.

The cast of the feature is nearly as international as the iconic athlete's fan base. Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro (Jane Got A Gun) will take on an as-yet-unspecified role, while Mexican star Diego Boneta (Rock Forever) will play one of the main rivals faced by Pele in his early career. Colm Meaney, hailing from Ireland, will portray George Raynor, manager of the 1958 World Cup team, and Brazilian singer Seu Jorge will play the title character's father.

Pele, meanwhile, will be played by two young newcomers: Kevin de Paula – as Pele from ages 13 to 17 – and Leonardo Lima Carvalho as the 10-year-old future champion.

The film dedicated to the life story of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known by his nickname, Pele, will be directed by brothers Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, who also authored the screenplay.

Shooting is slated to begin in Brazil, and the film is expected to premiere in the summer of 2014, when Brazil is scheduled to host the World Cup. – AFP Relaxnews